What You Should Know About Dual Diagnosis

A person with dual diagnosis suffers from two separate illnesses, a mood disorder and substance abuse. Because there are two illnesses, each needs its own method of treatment. Living with and treating dual diagnosis can be difficult, but recovery is not impossible. Here are some things you should know about dual diagnosis and those who suffer from it.

Self-Medication

One factor that may lead to a dual diagnosis is self-medication. Those who may already unknowingly suffer from a mood disorder may use substances to help temper the symptoms of the disorder. For instance, alcohol may help calm a racing mind in a manic person, or drugs may lift the spirits of a depressed person. However, these quick fixes are just that, and once the effects of the substance wears off, the initial symptoms become worse than before.

Mood Disorders

It is important to be aware of the symptoms of mood disorders in order to help prevent a dual diagnosis. You cannot diagnosis yourself, but recognizing the signs and visiting a health care professional can help you avoid turning to substance abuse for relief. The symptoms of depression and mania, the most common mood disorders, may be common individually, but in occurrence simultaneously and excessively, they are signs of a much bigger issue.

Treatment

For the greatest chance of recovery from dual diagnosis, both disorders should be treated. If only one is treated, treatment is less likely to be effective. And if neither are treated, one disorder can make the other worse. Even more, it is important to stay sober while treating dual diagnosis not only because of the substance abuse, but it is also dangerous to mix drugs or alcohol with the medication for the mood disorder.

Because of the two separate illnesses, it may be necessary to go to more than one doctor and support group during treatment. Treatment options can include talk therapy, support groups, medication, counseling and recovery groups. Because each treatment is tailored specifically for a particular disorder, it is important that different methods of treatment for each illness are used for the best likelihood of a full recovery.

There is help and hope available for those who have dual diagnosis. Find out how South Coast Counseling can help you or a loved one get treatment for and recover from dual diagnosis. 

PTSD: Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Experiences

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, more commonly known as PTSD, affects more than 8 million adults in any given year, according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs. PTSD can be the long-term effect from a traumatic event or experience that occurs at any point in an individual’s life. Without proper mental health treatment, PTSD can deteriorate the quality of life and cause worsened symptoms of the disorder or encourage substance abuse.

Causes of PTSD

While many are correct to associate PTSD with some military veterans who have been in combat, this disorder can actually affect anyone who has been through a traumatic experience. Really, events can be considered traumatic if they left a lasting impression on the victim that emotionally or psychologically affects them. If this trauma came on unexpectedly, the victim felt powerless during the event, or the experience happened repeatedly, PTSD would not be an unlikely outcome.

Symptoms of PTSD

Like many mental health disorders, the symptoms of PTSD can range far and wide both physically and psychologically. For instance, PTSD patients can suffer from irritability, anxiety and feelings of hopelessness. Physically, they can feel tired, suffer from aches and pains and have insomnia or nightmares. Overtime, these symptoms can wear an individual down, leading them to get proper mental health treatment or, more unfortunately, to turn to unhealthy habits like drug or alcohol abuse.

PTSD and Substance Abuse 

When someone who suffers from PTSD also has a substance abuse problem, they might be considered co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis patients. Dual diagnosis is when the individual drinks or uses drugs in the hopes that it will rid them of their PTSD-driven symptoms and memories. However, drugs and alcohol can actually worsen symptoms, making PTSD that much more difficult to handle.

A co-occurring disorder is more difficult to treat as the mental health disorder and the substance addiction are established independently of one another. It is possible, when this happens, that there is not a single cause to which the disorder and the addiction can be attributed to. Either way, those suffering from PTSD and substance abuse should seek the proper treatment they need in order to live a healthy lifestyle once again.

Mental Health Treatment for PTSD

One of the only ways to effectively overcome the symptoms of PTSD is to seek the help of a professional therapist. This is especially the case if the individual also struggles with substance abuse. Trying to juggle the symptoms of PTSD, in addition to going through detox without the assistance of a professional, can be dangerous and unsuccessful.

Treatment can help them learn to deal with their mental health disorder as well as how to cope with their alcohol or drug abuse. In doing so, the patient will be able to deal with their traumatic memories in a healthy, more effective fashion.

Are you struggling with the long-term effects of a traumatic event? Our professional staff here at South Coast Counseling can help you overcome substance addiction and learn how to handle your PTSD. Reach out to us today to learn more about our treatment programs for individuals just like yourself.

Are You Getting SAD?

Do you feel particularly down in the dumps during a certain time each year? Maybe you feel like winter is just not the season for you, what with the grey skies and the dreary atmosphere. The less the sun shines, the worse you feel. You might be genuinely depressed, with the depression taking a toll on your job, daily activities and personal relationships. Luckily, those bad months end, and the good ones begin; spring and summer are just around the corner. That is, the depression is at least over until next year—if you are experiencing SAD. 

Seasonal Affective Disorder is a recurrent feeling of depression that happens during the same time each year. If you find that you are depressed during a certain time of the year, such as the cold months of winter, but are completely back to normal during the summer and spring time, you might be experiencing SAD. Any person can get this mood disorder. Here are some ways that you will know if you have SAD.   

Common Characteristics  

There are some common factors that increase your risk of developing SAD. For instance, women are more likely to develop this disorder than men. Also, people who are living far from the equator, with very little sun for most of the year, see more frequent occurrences of Seasonal Affective Disorder within their communities. This is especially prominent in the winter when grass is scarce. Those who have a relative that was diagnosed with SAD are also more likely to develop the disorder.

Causes and Symptoms  

Though experts are not certain what triggers SAD, it seems to be associated with the amount of sun that a person can get in their area during certain times of the year, such as winter. The lack of sunlight can cause a person to feel depressed because it throws off your internal, biological clock. The symptoms of SAD include:

●      Feeling grumpy, anxious or tired

●      Cannot focus on normal activities

●      Craving more crabs and eating more

●      Gaining weight

●      Feeling tired after a lot of sleep

●      Having trouble concentrating

These symptoms come and go with the seasons, but they are noticeably the same with each passing year. It can be hard to tell the difference between SAD and other types of depression when making a diagnosis, so it is important to keep track of these changes in mood for your medical professional.

Substance Abuse and SAD

Those with Seasonal Affective Disorder are at greater risk for also experiencing a substance abuse disorder. Depression can drive a person to drink or use drugs to achieve a quick escape from the negative feelings that they are experiencing. This brings more problems to the table during treatment and often lead to a dual diagnosis Seattle WA or co-occurring disorder.

Emotional Transformation Therapy

Emotional Transformation Therapy is a type of therapy that can remove emotional distress and any physical pain that is being caused by it. This therapy is very effective in treating Seasonal Affective Disorder. If you believe that you suffer from SAD, view our ETT page or contact a representative with South Coast Counseling today.

Read more to learn about Seasonal Affective Disorder and how you can get help with Emotional Transformation Therapy. 

Common Addictions Among Teens | South Coast Counseling

Here are some of the most common addictions among teens, as well as signs and symptoms of different types of substance abuse treatment.

Some early signs of alcohol or drug abuse among teenagers are fairly straightforward, regardless of the substance involved: a teen may be developing an addiction when he or she suddenly begins to neglect or struggle with school, changes friend groups, distances him- or herself from family, drops activities or sports he or she used to enjoy or alters eating and sleeping habits. However, further signs and symptoms depend on what substance is being abused. Watch for these signs of the most common addictions among teens:

Alcohol

Symptoms specific to alcohol abuse include bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, memory gaps or loss, shaking and poor coordination. In addition, teens may use mints or gum to cover the smell of alcohol. While alcohol is often easily obtained by underage drinkers outside the house, it is prudent to keep an eye on alcoholic drinks that may be stored in your house, which may go missing or be watered down to disguise drinking.

Marijuana

Like alcohol, marijuana can cause a loss of physical coordination and memory, but it can also slow reaction time, induce lethargy, make ordinary or inappropriate situations seem humorous and increase sensitivity to sound, taste and visual perception. Since marijuana is typically smoked, it can cause coughing, bloodshot eyes and a constant dry mouth known as “cotton mouth.” Marijuana also has a noticeable smell, which some teens try to cover with, again, mints or gum. Users may have difficulty concentrating, either on conversations or on their own explanations, leading to a tendency to ramble.

Inhalants

The use of inhalants, chemical fumes that produce extremely rapid intoxication, is more common among younger teens. Unfortunately, inhalants are also some of the most immediately dangerous intoxicating substances. The most common symptoms include disorientation, dizziness, nausea, slurred speech, nosebleeds and marks or sores around the mouth. Teens using nitrous oxide may also have frequent headaches, euphoria and muscle weakness.

Prescription painkillers, stimulants and anxiety medications

One of the most obvious signs of prescription drug addiction is pills going missing from medicine cabinets or around the house. In addition, users with prescriptions may use their medications much more quickly than they would if they were following the prescription schedule, or find alternate sources of medications they have been prescribed in the past even after the course of treatment is done. Teens abusing prescription painkillers or opiates, such as codeine, oxycodone and Vicodin, may become nauseous, confused, constipated or constantly tired. Those using stimulants such as Adderall or Ritalin may become euphoric, energetic and unable to sleep. Those using anxiety medications such as Valium, Ativan, Klonopin and Xanax display symptoms similar to alcohol intoxication, including loss of coordination, slurred speech, memory gaps and drowsiness.

Dextromethorphan

Dextromethorphan or DXM is an over-the-counter cough suppressant that causes symptoms similar to those of alcohol intoxication: slurred speech, disorientation and memory gaps. In addition, teens using DXM may become dizzy or nauseous and have mild hallucinations. You may also notice quick, uncontrollable eye movements.  

If you find that your teenager is struggling with drug abuse Huntington Beach or alcohol abuse or addiction, you can get help. Don’t hesitate to contact South Coast Counseling today for informational resources on addiction, treatment options and recovery.

5 Tips for Living with a Recovering Addict | South Coast Counseling

Everyone knows how hard it can be dealing with someone that is actively in addiction, but what many don’t know is how difficult it can be once the addict is back home and in recovery. One of the biggest fears, understandably, is accidentally causing the addict to slip back into their addiction. Because of this, many resort to tiptoeing around the addict and not giving them the help they need to stay in recovery. Here are five tips for living with a recovering addict.

1.) Get Educated

Getting educated about your loved one’s addiction is one of the most important things you can do to make living with the recovering addict easier. An addict in recovery may often feel misunderstood or alone, which can be a big obstacle in their addiction treatment. Learning exactly what their substance abuse treatment entails is a great way to show a recovering addict that you are engaged in the process of their rehab efforts.

2.) Support Your Loved one’s Sobriety

When a recovering addict comes home from inpatient drug or alcohol treatment Costa Mesa, they will need a lot of support. Support can be provided in any number of ways, but your main focus should be making sure the home is free of any addicting substances. Another way to support your loved one’s sobriety is to encourage them to take up a hobby they can do by themselves or even with your participation. Physical activities are a good choice because they fit in to the complete lifestyle change that is often recommended with substance abuse treatment.

3.) Make Sure You Get Support for Yourself     

In offering support for a recovering addict, loved ones often neglect to support themselves. Living with an addict can be emotionally and physically draining. Being aware of this and getting support for yourself will make things much easier to support your loved one during their rehab. There are many support groups, including NA and AA (Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous, respectively) that exist for the express purpose of helping the loved ones of addicts.

4.) Keep Stress Low

Stress is one of the biggest triggers that can cause relapse in a recovering addict. Since stress can come from many different areas, it is important for loved ones of recovering addicts to keep the home as stress free as possible. Resources like counseling, job training and education can help to keep stress low during substance abuse treatment and reduce the likelihood of relapse.

5.) Look Out for Relapse

Unfortunately, relapse does happen with recovering addicts, so it is important to be on the lookout for signs that your loved one may be reengaging in harmful habits. Common signs of a relapse may include speaking fondly of past substance abuse, initiating contact with old friends from their drug abuse days and abrupt changes in behavior. If you believe your loved one may have relapsed, it is important to deal with it in a healthy manner. Suggest that they talk to a counselor or attend a twelve-step meeting, but do not blame or judge them. Reacting negatively could cause them to be defensive and slip further in to relapse.

If there is a recovering addict in your life and you need advice on how to support their sobriety, contact South Coast Counseling for help today. Our experienced and caring staff can help you to make sure that you’re dealing with your loved one’s addiction recovery in a helpful and healthy manner.

3 Benefits of Having a Hobby for Addicts | South Coast Counseling

Read more to learn how having a hobby can benefit you after completing drug addiction treatment.

Going through drug addiction treatment is a real challenge for many individuals. It is easy to lose focus and fall back into the firm grasp that drugs and alcohol often have on an addict. Though most people have all the best intentions when entering rehab, the reality is that many find themselves relapsing time and time again. Half of the battle is getting to recovery; the other half is staying. It is not easy to change your behavior and habits, especially if you have been an addict for many, many years. It is common for newly sober addicts to have trouble avoiding thoughts related to their past lives as a drug user. When times get tough during recovery, you know that there is a quick way to get a release, even if it is the worst route.   

How do you stay in recovery with all of these challenges? Having a hobby is a great way to point your focus in another direction and engage in an enjoyable activity that will decrease your stress. By definition, a hobby is something done during a person’s free time for pleasure. As a recovering addict, having a hobby can be very beneficial, and here are a few reasons why.

1. Get Excited about Life

Some hobbies can be stressful, but the stress that is felt is known as “eustress.” This is positive stress—can you believe that there is such a thing? This type stress is characterized by its ability to make you feel excited about the activity you are doing and the life that you are living. Having a hobby is one of the best ways to tap into eustress. Doing something that you love for absolutely no reason except that you love to do it provides you with a rush of joy and excitement.

2. Meet New People

Having a hobby is a great way to put yourself out there and make some new friends. Even if your favorite activity is a solo activity, such as painting or writing, you can easily meet others who share your interests through networking or social media. You cannot get through life contently without having some kind of social life. As a recovering addict, you might have lost many of your old friends, but now is the time to make new ones.

3. Challenge Yourself

Okay, getting through drug addiction treatment and into recovery was a pretty big challenge, but you should not stop there. Hobbies are capable of interrupting your routine with new challenges that are different from work or the challenges of daily life. These challenges are positive. The more positive activity that you have in your life, the easier it will be to stay in recovery.

Seek Drug Addiction Treatment

The first step to recovery and a sober life is seeking drug addiction treatment. A new world of opportunities is waiting for you on the other side. If you would like more information, visit our AddictionTreatment Costa Mesa page or contact a representative with South Coast Counseling today. 

The Dangers of Fentanyl Addiction | South Coast Counseling

Fentanyl addiction is extremely serious as it is a highly potent and addictive substance. Here’s everything you need to know about the drug.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there has been a surge in the number of deaths due to fentanyl overdose within the last two years. In fact, a rise in the drug’s popularity has concerned Baltimore health care officials to the point where they are launching a campaign for the sole purpose of raising the awareness for fentanyl’s dangers. Fentanyl addiction is extremely serious as it is a highly potent and addictive substance. Here’s everything you need to know about the drug.

What is Fentanyl?

Most often used to treat moderate or severe pain, fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a higher potential for abuse. It is considered to be an analgesic and opioid, placing itself into the same category as morphine. Though they are in the same category, fentanyl is more potent than morphine, actually 30 to 50 times more so.

Unfortunately, many of these overdoses have occurred within the last two years because fentanyl has often been mixed with heroin. So while some users believe they are using pure heroin, they are actually using a stronger, more deadly combination, which can lead to an overdose. But because the drug is fast-acting and resembles a more potent version of heroin or morphine, it continues to be abused by those who are searching for a higher high.

How Does a Fentanyl Addiction Affect You?

Fentanyl has a highly addictive nature, so it does not take much for the user to become psychologically and physically dependent on the drug.With most forms of substance abuse, the user can become psychologically hooked on the drug and go into withdrawals if it has been a certain period of time since their last use. These effects go hand-in-hand with the physical aspect of the addiction, as withdrawals can bring about headaches, nausea, and even troubles associated with increased heart rate. 

Even without withdrawal, the side effects of using fentanyl can include dizziness, confusion, and drowsiness. The indirect effects of fentanyl addiction can also be life threatening, as you are likely to run with a rougher crowd when using a substance of this caliber. Additionally, any addiction can cause your relationships to crumble as you spiral into a world of self-destructive behavior.

What Should I Do if a Loved One is Addicted?

Like any other Drug abuse Huntington Beach or alcohol addiction, you should seek professional help immediately, especially with a drug such as fentanyl. Drug addiction treatment could potentially save the life of someone with a fentanyl addiction, as the number of overdoses continue to climb. With treatment, your loved one would be able to overcome their addiction and regain control over their life.

If you struggle with what steps to take next, when you or a loved one has a fentanyl addiction, contact us at South Coast Counseling today. Our professional counselors will be able to guide you through different types of therapy we offer, our addiction treatment plans, and how you can begin to rebuild your life.

Choosing the Right Substance Abuse Treatment Program for You

Here’s more on how to choose the right substance abuse treatment program that will be most effective for you, as well as what some of those programs are.

When it is time for you to seek professional help for your drug abuse or alcohol abuse problem, finding the right treatment program can be overwhelming. After speaking with your professional counselor, you can consider which of these special programs would best benefit you. Here’s more on how to choose the right substance abuse treatment program that will be most effective for you, and what some of those programs are.

Why are There So Many Different Types of Therapy?

Because every one is different, we all respond to things, such as therapy, in unique ways. For instance, if the 12-step program works for one, it may not work for another. There are many different types of substance abuse treatment therapy programs in order to best suit the patient in question.

This would bode well for you if you were to attend an institution where many types of therapy are offered. You and your professional counselor would be able to decide which course of action would be most effective in controlling your addiction and making you well again. Types of treatment can range wildly, so it’s all about finding what you’re comfortable with and what makes you open up the most.

Types of Substance Abuse Treatment

Aside from the famous 12-step program, there are varying types of group therapy and one-on-one therapy. Each setting has its own benefits for those who need certain guidelines in order to overcome their habits. For instance, the 12-step program has attainable goals that keep you engaged, while group therapy allows for you to share and rely on the experiences of others.

One-on-one therapy is most often best suited for those who prefer a more intimate setting, where they feel more comfortable opening up about their addiction. With this type of therapy, you and a professional counselor would have the opportunity to discuss your addiction and ways in which you can move on past this point in your life. Cognitive therapy can be beneficial too, as it seeks to reorder negative thoughts which are causing depression and possibly sparking your addiction.

Other Types of Therapy

Other types of therapy can range far and wide, depending on the facility you choose for your substance abuse treatment program. If you have always been a more artistic person, you can choose from creative therapies like music, dance, or art therapy, all of which use varying methods in order to meet your emotional needs during your time of healing.  

For those who want to focus inwardly, as opposed to expressing themselves, there are types of therapy that are centered around meditation. Guided visualization and relaxation therapy, meditation groups, and emotional focused therapy are all examples of this. If you prefer to use education as your way of overcoming an addiction, addiction education, nutritional and wellness education, and psycho farm education are just a few of the examples of therapy classes you can take for substance abuse treatment.

As you can see, there are a lot of different programs to choose from at South Coast Counseling. We encourage those struggling with drug or alcohol abuse to reach out to us in order to learn more about how they can enroll in these therapy programs and get back to living a healthy life.